I have never been interested in politics. I can’t name all who held the presidency throughout my lifetime. I can’t tell you the difference between Reagan’s presidency and Nixon’s presidency. I can’t even tell you how many presidents there have been throughout the history of the United States.

I can, however, tell you about Barack Obama’s plans to cut taxes. And I can tell you about John McCain’s stance on alternative energy sources.

I am excited for the outcome of this election.

For class I wrote papers about each presidential debate. I wrote a paper on the vice presidential debate, and I wrote a 10-page paper about the candidates and their stances on issues. These assignments have prepared me with the knowledge I need to confidently cast my vote.

A year ago, I would have cringed thinking about these political assignments, but at this moment, I am thankful to be well-educated on such a historic event. Come Tuesday, I will fill in the bubble next to the presidential nominee of my choice.

I keep up with the candidates outside of class because I am finally old enough to vote, and I know the outcome of this

election will affect me.

I remember the last presidential race: Bush vs. Kerry. I remember fearing for the economy if Bush was re-elected. When he was, I shrugged it off, figuring the nation would suffice, and at 16, I never gave it much thought.

During the last campaign, when I turned to my mother for political advice, she replied, “I don’t like either. They are both liars.”

As I researched Obama and McCain, I kept my mother’s statement in mind. It seems like quite a few people have the same feeling about this election, and they are undecided about who they will vote for. I came to realize the candidates are not necessarily liars, but they have a position on an array of issues and they don’t have the chance to address them all while in office.

This is why researching each candidate and his stance on the issues is important. Some of the issues addressed in the debates or on the nominees’ Web sites may never change, but educate yourself before you vote. You may be affiliated with one party, but due to the economic status, the other party may benefit you financially. It is ultimately your decision, so why not make one you are confident in?

We are making history with this election. Just as our children will ask us about Sept. 11, our children will ask us about the 2008 presidential election. How does it feel to live and breathe history?

I will tell my children I was ashamed it took our nation so long to nominate a minority for president, but I will tell them I fulfilled my duties as a U.S citizen when I voted.

I encourage you to make history, too, and establish your own story to tell the children of the next generations.

Go vote.

Kelsey Henninger is a junior magazine journalism major and a columnist for the Daily Kent Stater. Contact her at [email protected].